Crawford Care Home

Updated 23 December 2025

Date of Assessment: 12 January 2026 to 23 January 2026. Crawford Care Home is a residential care home for autistic people and people with a learning disability. We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’(RSRCRC) guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.
People were exceptionally supported by managers and staff who demonstrated a very strong culture of compassionate, person-centred care based on people’s individual needs. Staff had very detailed knowledge and awareness of people’s needs. Providing the right support enabled individuals to participate fully in their communities and enjoy a more meaningful, fulfilling life. Consequently, people were able to act on their preferences as they arose, making choices freely and confidently in the moment. We saw the positive impact this had had for people. Staffing arrangements were designed around and reflected the choices of people and this worked very well to meet individual needs. Staff received thorough support, training and encouragement and had the right skills, qualifications and experience. Managers made sure staff received training and regular appraisals to maintain high-quality care.
The service was exceptional at treating people with kindness, empathy and compassion. They proactively listened to, understood and acted on people’s needs and wishes. People were supported in a way that was exceptionally personalised, which considered their own personal experiences and choices. For example, people were supported to consider and plan for important life changes in order for them to make informed decisions about their future.
The provider had a very clear shared vision, strategy and culture. This was based on transparency, equity, equality and human rights, diversity and inclusion, engagement, and an exceptional understanding of the challenges and the needs of people and their communities. Managers and staff demonstrated an exceptional, forward‑thinking approach to positive risk‑taking and seamless continuity of support. This was expertly underpinned by robust, comprehensive care documentation, including highly detailed communication plans and well‑maintained hospital passports. Their practice reflected a deep, nuanced understanding of people’s needs and empowered individuals to live safely, confidently, and with greater autonomy. Managers investigated incidents thoroughly and opportunities for learning were shared with staff. The facilities and equipment met people’s needs, were clean and well-maintained and any risks mitigated. The registered manager ensured staff not only received regular training and appraisals to maintain high‑quality care, but also prioritised specialist training tailored to people’s individual needs. This strengthened staff confidence, deepened their expertise, and enhanced the overall standard and consistency of support delivered. Staff managed medicines well and involved people in planning any changes. The registered manager focused on continuous improvement and was exploring opportunities to enhance person-centred approaches, such as increasing peoples involvement with medicines processes.
People consistently reported feeling respected and having a real influence over decisions about their support, and relatives described the home as “very welcoming” and “like a family.” Staff demonstrated exceptional kindness and dignity in their interactions, and leaders promoted an inclusive, open culture.
Extremely strong partnership working with health professionals, ensured continuity of care and timely access to external services. Governance systems monitored outcomes and drive continuous improvement, supported by staff engagement and feedback.
The registered manager demonstrated an exceptionally clear vision and values, which embedded RSRCRC principles into improvement plans. Leaders were visible and approachable, and staff described feeling supported and confident to raise concerns. Community engagement was exceptionally strong, demonstrated through creative initiatives such as organising a school visit that supported people’s wishes to take part in local Christmas celebrations. In addition, the service worked proactively with local businesses to promote awareness and advocate for improved accessibility, ensuring community spaces were inclusive and welcoming for the people supported by Crawford Care Home.
 

Updated 23 December 2025

People consistently told us they felt exceptionally safe, comfortable, and extremely well cared for at Crawford Care Home. People emphasised how well staff knew them as individuals and how they were treated with unwavering kindness, dignity, and respect. They also described the home as extremely homely. One person told us, “This is the best place I have every stayed… the food's really good here. I like all of it. I go on holidays.” Relatives repeatedly shared that their family members were genuinely happy living at the service, which strengthened their trust and confidence in the quality of care provided. One relative said, “It feels like ‘home from home’. That’s what they do very well.”
People were empowered to make meaningful choices about their daily lives and maintain independence wherever possible. Staff actively encouraged participation in activities people enjoyed, including walks, shopping trips, crafts, and wider community outings. People consistently spoke positively about opportunities to go out for meals, attend local events, and celebrate special occasions that mattered to them.
Meals were described as very good quality, and people were involved in choosing what they wanted to eat. The absence of a fixed, structured menu was a deliberate and highly person‑centred approach. Rather than being restricted to set meal options, people were empowered to choose exactly what they wanted to eat each day. When their preferred meals were not available on-site, staff went the extra mile by supporting people to shop for ingredients, supported them to prepare the food, ensuring their choices were fully respected and acted upon. This flexible, responsive practice exemplified exceptional commitment to promoting autonomy, independence, and personalised care.
People received highly skilled support to manage their health and wellbeing, with timely access to healthcare professionals such as GPs, dentists, and speech and language therapists. As a result, people experienced markedly improved health outcomes. Staff acted swiftly when concerns arose, ensuring people received the right professional input at the right time. This prevented deterioration, reduced avoidable distress, and promoted sustained wellbeing.
People told us there were always enough staff to meet their needs, and our observations confirmed staff were present, attentive, and responsive. Interactions were consistently warm, respectful, and reassuring, contributing to a relaxed and positive atmosphere. Staff demonstrated strong relational skills and were adept at recognising subtle changes in people’s communication and body language. This meant they could intervene early and appropriately, in line with people’s Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans. Relatives described staff as professional, well trained, and approachable, and they felt involved in care planning and decision-making.
People’s rights and communication needs were understood and met exceptionally well. Easy‑read information, including accessible complaints guidance, was readily available, and staff used tailored communication methods to ensure people understood their choices. People told us they felt confident raising concerns and trusted staff to listen and respond. Feedback from relatives and health professionals further confirmed that staff worked openly, collaboratively, and with a clear shared focus on achieving positive outcomes. People experienced a service that promoted choice, independence, and dignity. They were supported to maintain relationships, pursue interests, and develop routines aligned with their preferences. Staff showed a strong commitment to person-centred care and continuous improvement, ensuring people felt safe, respected, and valued in their home.